JIA Group’s Andō, the coveted one MICHELIN-starred, one diamond recognized by Black Pearl Restaurant Guide and the recently voted Restaurant of the Year by Tatler Dining 2024, is set to commemorate its 4th anniversary in style with an exclusive family themed dinner taking place on 10th July (Wednesday). This exciting celebration, hosted by Chef Agustin at Andō, will feature a unique one-night only menu created through the collaborative effort of four award-winning chefs from JIA Group’s family of restaurants. Participating guest chefs include Ricardo Chaneton from Mono (One MICHELIN star and #27 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024) highlighting Latin American flavours with French culinary finesse; Antimo Maria Merone from Estro (One MICHELIN star), which presents a modern take on Neapolitan Italian cuisine that sets to redefine the boundaries of Italian gastronomy; and Manav Tuli from Leela (MICHELIN recommended), a restaurant that merges vibrant Indian flavours with modern culinary techniques, showcasing the rich regional cuisines of India with a focus on tradition and sustainability.
Through the collaboration, chefs Agustin, Antimo, Ricardo, and Manav will showcase a seamless integration of Japanese, Italian, Latin American, and Indian influences, resulting in a one-of-a-kind dining experience that pays tribute to the essence of traditional and familial cooking techniques. The exclusive anniversary menu begins with an array of four individual dishes. From Leela, guests will savour the Lotus Root Chaat, followed by a refreshing plate of Estro’s cold seafood dish featuring Tuna / Capers / Tomato by Chef Antimo. Moving on to Andō’s dish, guests will enjoy the intricate play of textures in the Corn Textures / Karasumi dish, a nod to Chef Agustin’s Argentine and Japanese culinary background, with Mono contributing a beautiful Langoustine creation.
Transitioning into family-style sharing dishes, the menu continues with a hearty plate of home-style Pasta Mista with Crustaceans, Amalfi Lemon, Basil by Estro, embodying the comforting tradition ofItalian family dining. Andō showcases Kinmedai with Roasted Peppers and Peanut Chili Sauce, while Mono presents a succulent Lamb Saddle. Rounding off the savoury portion of the journey, Leela concludes with Lobster Biryani, a luxurious take on a family classic. As the evening reaches its peak, guests will be treated to a grand celebratory cake for dessert.
Andō’s 4th anniversary menu promises a harmonious blend of humble flavours and elevated styles, thoughtfully curated by chefs and friends of JIA Group – a celebration of culinary diversity, skill, and the enduring power of food to bring people together.
Andō: Innovative Spanish x Japanese cuisine by Agustin Balbi
The name ‘Andō’, derived from Chef Agustin’s Latin surname Ferrando, carries dual meanings – in Japanese, it signifies contentment, while in Spanish, it serves as the equivalent of the suffix ‘-ing’, representing the ongoing act of doing in the present. Growing up in a Spanish and Italian household, Agustin’s culinary journey was sparked at his grandmother’s dining table, where cherished memories of her homemade Latin dishes continue to inspire his creative offerings at Andō today. In his quest for culinary excellence, Agustin’s rebellious spirit led him to Japan, where he honed his skills in the esteemed kitchens of Tokyo. From two MICHELIN-starred Zurriola to the legendary 3 MICHELIN-starred Nihonryori Ryugin and the 2 MICHELIN-starred Cuisine Michel Troisgros, Agustin’s time in Japan not only shaped his culinary philosophy but also held a special place in his heart as the birthplace of his enduring love story with Yoshika, now the wife and mother of their two children.
Andō continues to shine, with a recent string of accolades leading up to its anniversary including the Bazaar Taste Elite award by Harper’s Bazaar, a One Diamond rating from the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, No.34 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, and the retention of its one MICHELIN star by MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau.
Andō
1F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong
